In a fiery outburst, AIMIM leader Waris Pathan has questioned whether practicing Islam has become a punishable offense in India. The controversy erupted after police in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, arrested a group of men for offering Friday prayers inside an empty house. A viral video showed about 12 individuals praying peacefully without disturbing anyone, yet they were swiftly detained.
Speaking exclusively to reporters, Pathan demanded to know under which law the arrests were made. ‘People get beaten for praying on streets, and now even private prayers at home invite police action,’ he fumed. He emphasized that the Constitution guarantees religious freedom to all citizens, allowing them to worship as per their faith without fear.
Pathan slammed the Uttar Pradesh government, calling the incident unconstitutional and harmful to national unity. ‘This isn’t right for the country,’ he asserted, urging authorities to clarify the legal basis for such crackdowns.
Shifting focus to Mumbai politics, Pathan targeted the Shinde faction of Shiv Sena. He alleged that party councilors were housed at the Taj Hotel amid mayor selection talks. ‘The public knows why they’re there,’ he said, hinting at backroom deals for the mayor’s post. Sources close to him claimed leaders from other parties visited too, fueling speculation of a major political maneuver.
On AIMIM’s stance, Pathan clarified the party remains in opposition, with support decisions left to its supreme leader. He expressed confidence in loyal councilors, dismissing fears of defections. ‘Our voters’ trust is sacred,’ he declared.
Responding to critics labeling AIMIM’s rise a national threat, Pathan hit back hard. ‘They insult voters who democratically elected us,’ he said. True danger, he argued, lies in hate-mongering parties that divide society, endangering democracy and humanity itself.